Around the Nation (March 12): Kobe done for rest of the season

Published: March 13, 2014 4:00AM

Associated Press

BASKETBALL

Kobe to sit out rest of 2013-14 season

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Kobe Bryant won't be back on the court for the Lakers this season.

The Lakers said Bryant was examined Wednesday by team physician Dr. Steve Lombardo, who determined that the injury that has kept Bryant out of the lineup still hasn't healed. Bryant is recovering from a fractured lateral tibial plateau of his left knee.

Bryant issued a statement through the team saying that this has been a disappointing and frustrating season. He added, "But I appreciate all the support I've received from the Lakers and the fans, and look forward to being back and ready for the start of training camp."

Carmelo says Phil Jackson to join New York Knicks

Carmelo Anthony says he has heard that 11-time NBA champion coach Phil Jackson will be "coming on board" in a leadership capacity with the New York Knicks, though cautioned that nothing is yet official.

Anthony made the comments Wednesday to reporters in Boston, where the Knicks are playing the Celtics.

Anthony says he has not spoken with Jackson about what his role will be or his plans for the Knicks, but says team officials told him in the last couple days that they were pursuing Jackson to oversee their basketball operations.

Neither the Knicks nor Jackson have made any public comment.

ICE HOCKEY

Stars' Peverley will sit for season after on-ice collapse

DALLAS -- Rich Peverley will not play again this season after the Dallas Stars forward collapsed on the bench during a game.

One of Peverley's doctors said at a news conference Wednesday that the 31-year-old will undergo a procedure that was originally planned for after the season. He was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat in training camp.

Dr. Robert Dimeff said Peverley's playing status beyond this season is unknown.

Peverley missed a game last week before going down in the first period Monday against Columbus, stunning players and fans.

Peverley was stabilized by doctors at American Airlines Center and taken to a Dallas hospital, where was in stable condition and undergoing tests. The game was postponed.

Jackets' Comeau susp. two games

NEW YORK -- Columbus Blue Jackets forward Blake Comeau was suspended for two games without pay by the NHL on Wednesday for hitting Detroit defenseman Brendan Smith from behind.

Comeau was assessed a minor penalty for boarding in the first period of the Blue Jackets' 4-3 home victory Tuesday night. The suspension will cost Comeau $10,256.

FOOTBALL

Broncos, DeMarcus Ware agree to deal

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The Denver Broncos kept their free agency focus on defense as they agreed to a three-year, $30 million deal with pass rusher DeMarcus Ware.

Ware didn't fully intend to agree to a deal right away with Denver when he flew into town Wednesday morning, but was persuaded by Broncos boss John Elway. The Hall of Fame quarterback turned executive stressed to Ware the Broncos' commitment to defense even with a prolific offense led by Peyton Manning.

Buccaneers agree to two-year deal with QB McCown

TAMPA, Fla. -- Free agent quarterback Josh McCown has agreed to terms of a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a move that reunites him with coach Lovie Smith.

A career backup, the 12th-year pro is coming off the best season of his career with Chicago. McCown started five games in place of the injured Jay Cutler in 2013, going 3-2 and finishing with 13 touchdown passes vs. one interception.

McCown, who turns 35 in July, will compete with second-year pro Mike Glennon for Tampa Bay's starting job. Glennon started 13 games as a rookie for the Bucs, who fired coach Greg Schiano after a 4-12 finish.

Smith and new general manager Jason Licht are using free agency to reshape the roster. In addition to signing McCown, the Bucs landed defensive end Michael Johnson, cornerback Alterraun Verner, defensive tackle Clinton McDonald and tight end Brandon Myers on Tuesday.